Lead Project Development Engineer - Broadband Hybrid Office

About The Company

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Founded in 1984, the company now manufactures thousands of products, generates over $3 billion in revenue, and employs approximately 12,000 associates worldwide.

• Flexible time off policy
• Hybrid schedule after initial onboarding, with the opportunity to work both in the office and remotely
• 401(k) company match up to 4%—dollar for dollar
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry-leading company

• Lead one or several product development projects, depending on scope and resources.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop product specifications, requirements, project plans and schedules for complex development projects.
• Accountable for project delivery performance (schedule), quality (deliverables) and technical leadership via established metrics.
• Engage with Product Line Managers to ensure project scope is effectively developed early in the project lifecycle.
• Direct product design, detailing and fitment verifications; lead development of manufacturing drawings and associated design documentation.
• Conduct tolerance analysis and CAD model reviews to ensure proper fitment of parts within assemblies.
• Lead engineering prototype construction for design verification of fitment and performance testing.
• Define product testing requirements and plans based on industry standards and other relevant inputs.
• Analyze post-design verification testing to identify potential design improvement opportunities.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing, Design for Assembly, and other DFx principles.
• Perform DFMEA/PFMEA activities.
• Interface with IP counsel and AFL IP leadership to ensure satisfactory IP clearance; develop IP subject matter proficiency for assigned projects.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (product management, application engineering, process and manufacturing engineering, quality, development engineering) throughout all phases of product development, including ramp‑up and release to manufacturing.
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of fiber optic product installation, testing and application methods to all new product development projects.
• Adhere to and promote AFL’s environmental, health & safety policies.
• Perform other project leadership tasks as required.

• Initiative – willingness to take on additional responsibilities.
• Teamwork – works effectively in a cross‑functional team environment.
• Communication – strong written and verbal skills.
• Flexibility – detail oriented and able to adapt quickly under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Experience – high level of new product development engineering experience and ability to manage complex projects.
• Accountability – willingness to accept accountability for project schedule, quality performance and design robustness.
• Continual Improvement – eagerness to continually improve processes to achieve higher performance and quality.

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (or other similar technical discipline).
• Parametric solid modeling experience (Solid Works preferred).
• 8+ years of technical experience conducting new product development.
• Design experience with multiple manufacturing techniques (injection molding, sheet metal forming, machining, etc.).
• Substantial experience designing molded plastic parts.
• Experience working within an ISO‑9001 quality management system.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and teamwork skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to lead new product development projects from concept through design, development, testing and industrialization while following a formal stage‑gate process using industry‑recognized project management practices.
• Prior product development project experience – including being accountable for project schedule performance and quality of deliverables.

• Fiber Optic industry experience, especially in design, development, and/or applications.
• Demonstrated ability to create innovative solutions and designs.
• Experience analyzing patents and drafting invention disclosures.
• Project management professional certification.

• Office environment with some interaction with manufacturing and testing personnel.
• Hybrid office work schedule with 3 days in office nominally; additional office time may be required as needed by project demands.
• Domestic and international travel up to 10% may be required.